Tiny11 puts Windows 11 on a diet without the PowerShell workout
Tiny11 Builder now offers a preview desktop app for creating slimmer Windows 11 installation images, making the process more accessible to people who do not know PowerShell. It removes bundled apps and selected system components to produce a smaller ISO, but the resulting installations are not supported by Microsoft and can lose useful features.
The app accepts Windows 11 media from version 22H2 onwards, including 26H2, and offers three modes: Tiny11 keeps Windows Update, Defender and recovery tools; Tiny11 Core disables updates and Defender and removes components irreversibly; and a custom mode lets users choose what to retain. Hardware and local-account checks may not be bypassed on newer builds, and users still need a Windows licence; the project recommends limiting Tiny11 Core to test virtual machines.
- A new desktop app makes Tiny11 image building easier.
- Three modes offer different levels of Windows component removal.
- Slimmer installs can mean security, support and functionality trade-offs.
New here? Start with this
Windows 11 includes built-in apps and system components that some people may not need, but removing them has traditionally required running PowerShell commands. Tiny11 Builder is a community project that creates a smaller Windows installation image by removing selected items before installation.
The project offers different levels of removal, from keeping tools such as updates and security protection to stripping out more components. The deeper changes can reduce what Windows can do, and Microsoft does not support installations made this way; users still need a Windows licence.
This matters to people who want a smaller Windows setup or are preparing test machines, but a trimmed installation may lack useful features or protections. Some hardware and account requirements may also remain, depending on the Windows version.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A slimmer Windows installation can be useful for older or low-spec devices, virtual machines and people who want fewer bundled apps. A desktop interface makes image creation more accessible, while the standard Tiny11 mode retains updates, Defender and recovery tools; custom choices also let users decide what to remove.
The case against
Removing system components can make Windows less reliable or strip out features people later need, and Microsoft does not support these installations. The Core mode disables updates and Defender and makes removals irreversible, so using it beyond a test virtual machine could expose users to security and maintenance problems.